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Nigella Lawson Denied Entry To United States Over Drug Scandal

In November 2013, Nigella Lawson admitted in a court of law to using cocaine (among other drugs). The admission seemed to be a contributing factor in the acquittal of her former assistants, who at the time were accused of defrauding Lawson and her ex-husband Charles Saatchi out of nearly $1.1 million. In December, the jury returned a not-guilty verdict for the sisters, and Ms. Lawson’s role in the trial made headlines. This week, just a few short months following the dramatic trial events, her troubled past has once again landed her in the spotlight.

Nigella Lawson

On March 30, 2014, Ms. Lawson tried to hop on a plane from Heathrow to Los Angeles, but was turned away at boarding. According to The Daily Mail, Ms. Lawson arrived at the Heathrow airport Sunday morning and made it through security, but was told at the gate that she could not board the California-bound flight. Though the details are not entirely clear, the news outlet speculates Lawson’s drug use confession last year is what prompted the U.S. entry denial.

Other celebs barred from the U.S. due to public drug struggles

Nigella isn’t the first celebrity to run into traveling woes as a result of publicized drug abuse. In 2005, after being photographed with a line of cocaine, supermodel Kate Moss lost a massive H&M contract and was reportedly denied a U.S. work visa. Her problems allegedly came back to haunt her this past October. Though her rep denied the allegations, gossip columns reported that Playboy had to move their 60th anniversary party from Los Angeles to London because she was still having visa issues stemming from the 2005 “Cocaine Kate” ordeal.

Most recently, Americans’ attitudes on drug abuse were voiced loud and clear when more than 270,000 people signed a petition requesting that the U.S. Government revoke Justin Bieber’s green card and deport him to Canada. The petition followed a January 2013 arrest in Miami, where Bieber was accused of reckless driving and consuming alcohol, marijuana and prescription medication. The petition calls out Justin’s behavior as “destructive” and “drug abusing,” and additionally says he is unwelcome and “a terrible influence on our nation’s youth.” Despite its backing, the petition has not yet been addressed by the U.S. Government.

Getting Help for Addiction

These celebrities had the added misfortune of having their dark moments publicized for all the world to see, but they’re far from alone in their addiction struggles. Addiction touches the lives of the not-so-rich and not-quite-famous far more often than celebrity stories break. If you’re dealing with your own private addiction struggle, or are seeking help for a loved one, The Watershed is here 24/7 ready to take your call. 1-800-861-1768.